Well. I created a railmeets account months before I got to Chicago. Thought I found a boat for Wednesday night beer can race for July 3. However, they cancelled the race because so many people were out of town and the excessive boat traffic. The person I connected with via railmeets suggested I try the walk the docks with a smile and beer approach to find a boat to crew on. I did, and had success.
Everyone on the dock was doing boat work since the race was cancelled. They were also having a 4th of July dock party. I offered moral support while someone was up the mast and passed a cord down through a hatch... that is boat work, right?
The Chicago sailors were very friendly. Happy to of met them! Their dock party was fun. Great view of the weekly Wednesday fireworks.